Lopez Blogs

SVT presented participants of 3rd and 4th semifinal of Melodifestivalen and among them 8 completely new announced names and band The Playtones announced last Saturday on Dansbandskampen show. Finally we've got really exciting mix of schlager-veterans and interesting newcomers but comparing with year before next meloseason looks poppier, more uptempo and full of great songwriters who was making Melodiestivalen history of 00s.

One of the most surprising discoveries of presentation was new project Shirley's Angels - trio of Shirley Clamp, Vera Prada and Jessica Marberger with the song "I Thought It Was Forever" from glorious songwriting gang Alexander Bard, Robin Abrahamsson, Bobby Ljunggren and Henrik Wikström. Shirley is well-known ESC-related name since performance of Antique on Eurovision-2001 with her as backing singer through all 00ies as artist who performed one of the biggest meloanthems "Min Kärlek" left second in 2004, many still wait for her comeback with victory and who knows - maybe it's the right time. Jessica Marberger is one of constant backing singers of Melodifestivalen and owner of really powerful vocal, Vera Prada is known as dancer and choreographer of Melodifestivalen so she seems to be responsible for dances in this company. "I Thought It Was Forever" brings Shirley back to her schlager-roots, it's uptempo song with great chorus but pinch of sadness as well.

Another exciting, no, EXCITING news were that one of the biggest songwriters of the planet right now RedOne is stepping into competition with his fresh project Love Generation. Girls have managed to release only one single in Sweden this Summer and say that their Melodifestivalen work is uptempo in RedOne-style sounding more proper for Melodifestivalen. Team hasn't chosen which of two songs will be performed by them but both options are gonna be great.

Not rumoured actively this year but name that was rolling around as possible last wildcard of Melodifestivalen-2010 Linda Sundblad is also in! Linda is the one of the loveliest singers of Sweden who has become popular as vocalist of internationally succeeding band Lambretta but later she went solo and managed to release already two albums. Song "Lucky You" was written by her with Epicentre team - Johan Bobäck, Fredrik Thomander and Anders "Gary" Wikström who previously wrote her Top-10 hit "Let's Dance" and Linda says "Lucky You" is a lot in her style but a bit with ABBA-warmth.

Fantastic Linda Pritchard is back with huge classic ballad "Alive" written by Oscar Görres and Fredrik Kempe. Year ago Linda was singing demo of "Hollow" (the song that was later given to Peter Jöback), there were many tocuhed to tears by that demo and right that time rumours started to flow around that this song is gonna be year's winner but finally it hasn't happened and Linda who performed the song "You're Making Me (Hot-Hot-Hot)" hasn't qualify to final but right after Melodifestivalen Christer Björkman has contacted her and they started to plan revanche!

Linda has not the latest Fredrik Kempe's song on Melodifestivalen. The Playtones (winners of show Dansbandskampen) has got Fredrik's song "The King" that was rejected year ago but was recorded this year by Тop Сats, SVT had their own candidates thoug. Band describes the song as retro rockabilly track with modern touch.

Another new announced artist was Sebastian Karlsson with the song "No One Else Could" he co-wrote with Andreas Alfredsson Grube. Sebastian (2nd place of Idol-2005 after Agnes) already competed in 2007 so it's not his debut. He describes the song as mix of synth-pop and guitar-pop and the show behind him will be done by Rickard Engfors who worked before with Emilia, Måns Zelmerlöw, Pernilla Wahlgren, Marie Serneholt and many other meloartists.

Favorite of many schlager-fans last year Eric Saade is coming back with Fredrik Kempe's song "Popular" and he claims that new song is better than "Manboy" and expensive show that will require even help of stunt-masters can not only take with the storm Melodifestivalen but as well Eurovision. Along with Melodifestivalen Eric will also be making promo in Russia in the beginning of the year.

Young artist Sara Varga was presented with the song "Spring för livet" that she wrote herself with Figge Boström, she describes it as calm and very personal song. Sara is relatively new artist playing some half-acoustic stuff so she has a chance to become Anna Bergendahl of this year.

One of our favorite artists Anders Fernette was presented with the song "Don't Stop" written by JC Chasez(ex-N'Sync), Carl Falk and Kristian Lundin. Oh! And here I'm gonna tell you a story about my dear friend Poster Girl. More than year ago PG wrote about her Myspace-dicovery of amazing demo performed by our beloved Anorah and few months after this song was taken to Melodifestivalen and disqualified right after it was discovered that song was available for public before. That story has repeated this year again!!! PG on her blog told about amazing demo recorded by JC Chasez and co-written by Carl Falk that Carl put on his Myspace-page (truly great track that was among others soundtrack of my life this year) and right after Anders Fernette's song title and songwriters were revealed it was 99% clear it's that song so logically it was disqualified soon after. However Anders with songwriters have a week to prepare another song and if SVT will like it he'll get a chance to compete. And we really hope he will. Anders is ex-participant of Fame Factory with loads of albums and some amazing modern stuff he released last two years so we're waiting for him to get back with not less great song.

Talking about previously announced artists Sara Lumholdt plans some interesting show with the song "Enemy" that she descibes as mix of pop, rock and r'n'b'. Simon Forsberg speaks about Fredrik Kempe's "Tid att andas" as huge ballad with nordic touch but warm feeling. Webbjoker Julia Alvgard says that her ballad "Better or worse" is re-produced but doesn't change common style. Nicke Borg describes his song "Leaving Home" as classic ballad growing and growing to incredibly grand final. Melody Club claims their song "The Hunter" is a lot in their style, very fast, explosive and epic.

We say thank you for all information again to Scandipop, Poplight, Schlagerprofilerna and Schlagerzoot!

Oh wait! I should finish with something spicy so I'd like to show you bets of bookmakers who already take money for the winner and Eric Saade with Love Generation are looking like the biggest faves (weird that Linda Sundblad's song's called "Forever"). Well, we shouldn't trust these people as year before they put Darin and Peter Jöback as the biggest faves and Måns with BWO in 2009. Anna was 15th and Malena - 14th. But however it's interesting to see who is considered as the biggest folk's favorite beforehand.

"Dancing On My Own" - Robyn.

Halfway through my countdown already - time is flying by so fast!

The first fruit of the year's most ambitious musical experiment - the three-album "Body Talk" series - was just classic Robyn, blending ice-cold pounding electronic rhythms with an emotional and poignant heartbeat, and lyrics which anyone could identify with. Simple as that.

Some parts of the "Body Talk" trilogy might have been filler, but on the whole it was one of the more welcome musical events of this past year and deservedly acclaimed.

"All Time Low" - The Wanted.

2010's hottest new boyband made a credible and spectacular debut with "All Time Low" which was one of the best British pop singles of the year.

These days of course, in the pop business, marketing and promotion is equally as important as the finished product - and a lot of that hard work was undertaken by a fellow blogger: Jessica from This Must Be Pop, who excitingly documented the band's rise and rise on TMBP and on Twitter. Good work Jessica!!

Greetings from Florida! Unless the British snow prevented me from getting here as I am writing this before I go but it won't go up on the blog until I'm actually in Florida. It's one of those Doctor Who time connundrums like Amy's gash (in her wall). Anyway, two of the most glorious songs that celebrate the festive season from the last two decades also happen to be the most covered! So I thought I would celebrate the originals and some of the sublime and ridiculous covers out there :) Enjoy and do let me know what you think - comments will be texted straight to my phone!!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU:

• Original Mariah version ~ let's face it, Mariah struck gold with this track. It's been a perennial christmas favourite, returning to the charts time and time again since 1994. It's joyful, it's upbeat, it's brimming with hope and optimism, full of jingle bells and a rollicking cantering beat propelling it all to festive glory. How can anyone hear this track and not be filled with an urge to hug everyone they are near?! Many have come close, but nothing has topped this and it's now one for the ages. And deservedly so...
• Love, Actually version ~ As long time readers will well be aware, Love, Actually is one of my favourite films of all time and definitely my most favourite film to watch several times before Christmas. This school play performance is improbably good and shows little orphan drummer boy trying to get his young lady friend Joanna to notice him through the power of beat! What follows is the young chap breaking all sorts of security rules to chase down his love through an airport all to a stirring instrumental. It's oddly affecting. Love love love. Off to watch again now!
• Mans Zelmerlow duet version ~ Well, good for Mans for turning the ebulliant original into something quite refined and dignified as a ballad version. His voices soothes like eggnog as he serenades the lovely Agnes Carlsson on this smooth, slowed down but equally lovely version. Click the link and see stills of Mans in all his winter finery. My fave ~ 22secs when his shirt sleeves are pushed up but he is still wearing a scarf. His neck is chilly but his arms are hot. Still totally snoggable under the mistletoe though!
• Lady Antebellum version ~ taken from their too short seasonal EP, this continues with the slowed down theme, but strips it back a little bit for a more countrified twang. It works quite well as it goes and makes for a most subtle rendition of a tune that works best as an over the top party poppers glitter fest. Surprisingly lovely!
• Big Time Rush version ~ I think if Simon Cowell worked it well, One Direction should be doing some songs like those on the BTR album. They've teamed up with Miranda Cosgrove on their cute tv show to perform this tune and jolly jolly they look doing it too. It's not a version that will change the world, but it's cheesy and fun and the video is too too adorable. Oh those boys!
• Mariah's extra festive version ~ There have been a couple of not very good at all remixes of this tune over the past few years (the less said about the hip hop version, the better) but Mariah has kept the essence of the original on her latest album, amped up the orchestral beginning and added a generous sprinkling of rousing drum beats. Reinvigorates the tune without losing any of the charm of the original. Well done Mrs Canon - it makes me want to write a whole musical based on her albums (hint, check back soon).

LAST CHRISTMAS:

• Wham version ~ Frankly i love a bit of heartbreaking tragedy set to a percolating and festive groove. Wham perfected this with their joyous (musically) and sad (lyrically) yuletide tune that quickly became as longlasting as their partnership was short. Try and find a Christmas store around the world that doesn't play this. Still the original and the best, though many others have tried (no, let's not discuss the Whigfield or Crazy Frog versions...)
• Alcazar version ~ look, if anyone is going to do a jingled up euro-pop version then it should absolutely be Alcazar. It's exactly the same as the Wham version but with female vocals, a higher bpm and a whole plethora of santa's crackers sound effects added in for good measure. It's jolly and jolly fantastic.
• Kimberley Locke version - presented as a stripped back acoustic hand clapping groove - her whole Christmas album is one of the best I've ever heard and this is a giddy treat. Beautiful vocals, different version but familiar enough that it is instantly warming and brimming with charm. Oh I adore Kimberley so very very much.
• Puppini Sisters version ~ As you already know, I'm loving their Christmas album and this jazzy version gives the song a whole new vibe and totally sounds like it belongs in some smoky downtown nightclub where sozzled old drunks are nursing their sorrows in a double brandy. Yes, it's that good.
• Glee version ~ the song that was released for the sake of it last year WITHOUT EVEN FEATURING IN AN EPISODE. Oh the avant gardness of it all. And they've tagged it onto this year's fairly disappointing festive album. It's a decent version - totally sounds like an X Factor single I suppose. Not the best of the bunch, but you can also check out versions by Atomic Kitten, Cascada, Busted, Coldplay, Darren Hayes, Hilary Duff, Human Nature, Jamelia, JLS, Little Boots, The Ordinary Boys, Taylor Swift, Travis and probably many more...

Did I miss any other versions of these songs? Back on Fri with a chart run down and more festive playlist madness :) Do stop by!

"All The Right Moves" - OneRepublic.

spell of airplay on Rix FM to convert me.

It was good to hear Ryan Tedder in more lightweight mode, away from his big-ballad-hit songs which he continues to write for other artists, and which he may focus on as I can't really see his band having a long career now.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrOeGCJdZe4

"Kom" - Timoteij.

The regulation folk-number at Melodifestivalen can sometimes leave me cold (Sarek), lukewarm (Kalle Moraeus) or mildly enthusiastic (Nordman's witch-burning anthem) but this year it was very agreeable and catchy. Maybe in another time this might even have gone on to win MF and got a decent result at Eurovision, but whatever the case it was so much better than this year's winner.

"Kom" became a firm favourite at EuropeCrazy HQ. Tonight I had to break the news very gently to faithful travelling companion that Timoteij weren't going to be in Melodifestivalen 2011. He didn't take it too well ....!

But I'm sure he will be cheered up by this video clip of the girls performing the song on this year's "Sommarkrysset" at Gröna Lund: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7PoWTyyc74

I guess you've got we have a weakness for voice of young sweet Sibel, so it's definitely pleasant to discover some new pieces of her music and this new is completely brilliant!
American Disney channel has started airing new tv-show "Shake It Up" collecting some great forces for music decoration of series. One of songs was recorded by Sibel and googling a bit gave us information that it was written by Niclas Molinder, Joacim Persson, Johan Alkenäs and Drew Ryan Scott and it's not surprising information as this great Swedish songwriting team (Niclas, Joacim and Johan) worked a lot for Disney channel last time. Some recent examples are songs for "Jonas L.A." series soundtrack ("L.A. Baby (Where Dreams Are Made Of)", "Critical", "Hey You", "Things Will Never Be The Same") - all of them sound not less than epic! Niclas and Johan were long-time well-known as TWIN recording many significant hits in Sweden (Velvet, Da Buzz, Danny, Darin, Helena Paparizou, Charlotte Perrelli) and though they weren't involved in some big releases in Sweden last few years but being joined by Johan they've gone more internationally with songs for world stars like Ashley Tisdale and Charice.
"Shake It Up" is another great pop-song with promisng electro intro growing into energetic pop-track with powerful rhythm blasting in anthemic double pop-chorus, it's like "My Life Would Suck Without You" mixed with "Firework" so check it and I bet you should love it.

Robyn's third pard of trilogy "Body Talk" is finally out in Sweden on previous week together with final compilation "Body Talk" containing 5 songs from every of 3 EPs. So we've logically lost acoustic versions of "Dancing On My Own" and "Hang With Me" and 4 another tracks and we officially miss "Include Me Out" and "Jag Vet En Dejlig Rosa" but still consider final album as real pop-masterpiece that has made many people who even weren't Robyn's fans before follow her career whole year.
Few months ago Robyn presented beautiful acoustic track "Indestructible" with magnificent strings arrangement on previous EP that on "Body talk Pt.3" turned to electropop younger sister of "Dancing On My Own" and "Hang With Me" - light and delicate, maybe not with the same huge hit-potential but still reaching Top-10 in Sweden. However third Robyn's album this year has got some even more exciting thing - "Time Machine" collaboration between Robyn and Swedish biggest export-hitmaker Max Martin mixing some best moments in music of both - fragile sensitivity of Robyn's melodies and magic catchiness of Max Martin's stuff. It's not yet confirmed yet if it's gonna be the next single of Robyn or any of the rest 3 new tracks: "Call Your Girlfriend" - more dynamic and less dramatic version of "Dancing On My Own" with flying huge chorus, "Get Myself Together" - cheerful pop-song with catchy rhythm and "Stars 4-Ever" - colder club-track repetetive but light enough not to be boring. However here's best track of "Body Talk Pt.3" and new enjoyable performance of "Indestructible".

Thanks to Aftonbladet for the info:

Linköping:
”Enemy” – Sara Lumholdt
”I thought it was forever” – Shirley's Angels (a new 'supertrio' featuring Shirley Clamp)
”Lucky you” – Linda Sundblad
”No one else could” – Sebastian
”Spring för livet” – Sara Varga
”Popular” – Eric Saade
”The king” – Playtones
”Tid att andas” – Simon Forsberg

The obvious favourite here is the returning Eric Saade, with a Fredrik Kempe song and a big stage show. Of course I'm delighted that Sebastian is back! Good to see Linda Sundblad there too.

Malmö:
”Alive” – Linda Pritchard
”Better or worse” – Julia Alvgard
”Don´t stop” – Anders Fernette
”E det fel på mig” – Linda Bengtzing
”I surrender” – Lasse Stefanz
”Leaving home” – Nicke Borg
”The Hunter” – Melody Club
Title to be confirmed - Love Generation

Melodifestivalen 2011:
Deltävling 1: Saturday 5 February 2011 - Coop Arena, Luleå
Deltävling 2: Saturday 12 February 2011 - Scandinavium, Göteborg
Deltävling 3: Saturday 19 February 2011 - Cloetta Center, Linköping
Deltävling 4: Saturday 26 February 2011 - Malmö Arena, Malmö
Andra chansen: Saturday 5 March 2011 - Nordichallen, Sundsvall
Final: Saturday 12 March 2011 - Ericsson Globe, Stockholm

"You're Out Of My Life" - Darin.

Normally I'd avoid this Westlife-on-stools ballad like the plague, but the combination of Darin, Melodifestivalen and a trip to Sweden all managed to push the right emotional buttons at the right time.

He got 4th place at MF and a great big radio hit in Sweden with this song, but I felt that his chances would have been improved with a more uptempo number, especially with Tony Nilsson involved as a songwriter.

Darin says he won't be returning to Melodifestivalen, which is a bit of a shame. But then again, there's such a thing as 'never say never...!'

Here's Darin singing the song in his Melodifestivalen heat earlier this year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QxTCVPSlrI

"Baby Hurricane" - Vincent.

If all my favourite Swedish artists released albums over the past year to 18 months, there was one missing piece of the jigsaw: the brilliant Vincent Pontare.

We've all been eagerly waiting for him to make a comeback after that great debut album, so the good news is that the follow-up "Godspeed" is finally on the way. In the meantime, the first single from it is here to enjoy. It took me a little while to get into this song, which is more lightweight than what I'd expected, with its Beach Boys-feel; however it's now a firm favourite.

In this post, Damian from the always-wonderful Swedish Stereo http://swedishstereo.blogspot.com/2010/10/vincent-baby-hurricane.html makes some very good points and makes an interesting comparison with Salem Al Fakir...now there's someone who might make an appearance in my chart at some point.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB5onaN6nJk - watch out for the twist involving none other than Vincent's dad, Mr "när vindarna viskar mitt namn" himself - Roger Pontare!

"Satellite" - Lena Meyer-Landrut.

I did drop a hint to faithful travelling companion last night that this would be making an appearance in the chart very soon....so here it is.

Even before its victory in a certain song contest this year, this one had become our 'holiday song' in Bratislava - that's what non-stop exposure to MTV Germany does!

A song written by an American and a Dane, sung in English by a German who sounds as if she learned her English from Kate Nash records. A truly international hit (although it only got to no.30 in the UK chart).

Contemporary isn't usually a word used to describe the Eurovision Song Contest, so it was a pleasant surprise that this song went on to win. Even if her voice quickly grates on you and the novelty wears off quickly - I really think the idea of her defending her title next year is a no-no - everything about this just seemed to fall into place. Even now, it's still a catchy and fun song.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QSgNM9yNjo

"Alors on Danse" - Stromae.

Who'd have guessed that this existential angsty rap, delivered in a suitably depressed manner by the Belgian rapper, and set to a catchy saxophone hook and trancey beat, would become one of the biggest continental hits of 2010? It might have ran off with my annual "Great Lost European Hit of the Year" award were it not for the song even making a brief appearance in the lower reaches of the UK top 30 a couple of months ago - such a rarity for a song not in the English language to even get a sniff of the top 75, far less the top 30.

This one spanned both our spring and summer holidays this year. There was even a version with Erik Hassle singing on it, but much as I'm an Erik fan, I preferred the original. Basically it says, life can be s**t, so just dance. And why not. Never was melancholy such foot-tapping fun.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHoT4N43jK8

I thought this deserved a separate post from this month's "Square Eyed".

The latest (and disappointingly sub-standard) series of "Harry Hill's TV Burp" finished last night. To commemorate this, here's one of my favourite moments from the series, from the recent Celebrity Coach Trip - Barry Chuckle, Ingrid Tarrant and Brendan in the bath (warning, this sight may put you off your dinner!!) - everybody sing along!

Danny has temporary left his friends in E.M.D to go solo in Melodifestivalen 2011. In 2006 he participated in Swedish Idol and was appointed the “7th sexiest man in Sweden”. 2007 he did success together with his Idol-friends in the group E.M.D with a cover of ”All for Love”. 2008 he represented Sweden in Eurovision Dance Contest and the same year he ended four in Swedish “Let’s Dance”. He has been number one on the top charts in Russia, Japan and Poland with the song ”If Only You". In 2009 E.M.D became third in Melodifestivalen with ”Baby Goodbye”. This is the short biography version of Daniel Gabriel Alessandro Saucedo Grzechowski. It’s indeed an impressive record for a guy who is only 24 years.


Danny, you participate in the first semi final. How does it feel?
- It feels great. I’m excited. Many new faces and some old ones. I just want to get started now.

How come that you decided to participate in Melodifestivalen again?
- I always wanted to do it by myself. Last time was two years ago with my group E.M.D and we ended up third in the final. E.M.D works fine nowadays and we are a well known group in Sweden. I want to know if I can do Melodifestivalen on my own and if it works as good as with E.M.D.

So E.M.D still alive?
- More alive than ever. We are releasing a new album on the 3rd of December. We are also doing the official movie theme song for ”Narnia”, which has its premiere during Christmas. And after Melodifestivalen we will be touring so it’s a busy schedule.

Tell us something about your song?
- It’s called “In the Club” and by the name people may guess that it’s a club-song. It’s a R’n’B dance-pop song. I want people to dance to it. It’s like a club-anthem.

Is it a typical song for you?
- It will be. It’s a bit of a new style. I have added some urban beats and vibes. My soul stuff have always been a kind of a European dance style and now I’m taking on some urban stuff. I have always been listening to R’n’B and hip-hop and now I have started to collaborate with hip-hop producers to create a new picture which is a combination of my style and theirs.


If you present yourself to our readers – what do you want to tell them?
- I’m a Swedish blonde dude. My mother is from Bolivia and my father from Poland but as you see I look very Swedish. I sing and dance. I love to dance – that’s the best thing to do on this planet! If I didn’t have a voice I would probably be a dancer. I love when people get together, dance and have fun and I believe that this feeling can be heard in my music as well.

What is your relationship to Melodifestivalen and Eurovision Song Contest?
- I have done Melodifestivalen once before in 2009 and every year I’m watching the show and enjoying the music. I like to get a glimpse of the participating countries and their songs. It very good the watch Eurovision because you get an idea of what is happening on the music scene in the European countries.

Thanks a lot Danny and good luck in Melodifestivalen and your coming E.M.D projects.



P.S:
E.M.D is equal to Erik Segerstedt, Mattias Andréasson and Danny Saucedo.
Their new album is called “Rewind”.

It's both comforting and terrifying that I have now been blogging every move of the x-factor for 15 long weeks now. That is over a quarter of the entire 2010. And yet, I cannot remember a time before it began! This week is rock week and the contestants get to sing two songs! I will not be here however. I will be in Florida getting my Disney on, so I was hoping you would all do me a little favour. In the comments section for the next two weeks, perhaps you could all update me on what is happening, who was good, how awful Katie was etc. I'm having a self imposed internet break for 2 weeks, but your comments will be sent straight to my phone as texts. How magical technology is. You can update me in real time you lazy bums :) That would be terrific. I thank you.

I still want to play my fizzypop x factor contestants game though, so I've picked out one rock song and one song of my choice for each of this week's contestants... 'Ere we go then...

PRINCES AND ROGUES:

If i got my finger out before I went on holiday, I should have a nice interview opportunity taking place right now with my fave new boyband. And it should be ready for you to read upon my return. Fingers crossed!! What I absolutely adore about Princes and Rogues is that they seem to be absolutely charming fellas, they have really honed the 80s geek chic image beyond their clothes but into their performances too and they genuinely have a great blend of voices. Putting 5 voices together isn't hard, but making the strengths play off each other is. I am so eager to see what else they can do in the new year...

• Rock choice ~ Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover (Sophie B Hawkins): Not only one of my favourite songs of the 90s, but one that i've always thought a boy band could do justice too. Imagine taking this yearning plea for companionship and giving it a harmonised sheen. Imagine the chorus being more clipped, rounding off the notes instead of dragging them out. Imagine the backing harmonies creating a lush soundscape for the main vocals in the verses and particularly the middle eight. It would be magnificent. Trust me.
• My choice ~ Red (Daniel Merriweather): And as if by magic you can also view it above! How handy is that! I don't just throw these posts together you know! Led by a sumptuous piano accompaniment, it kicks off with a delightful vocal from Derek and continues to soar until the tightly harmonised chorus with Johnny taking a lead on vocals. It flies, all of the solo parts are impeccable and it already sounds like a Christmas number one. Glorious times one million. This is why I need more from them. And soon...

ELOUISE:

What's not to love about Elouise? Her new Stardust Melodies EP came out last week and proved that she can take a familiar cover version and turn it around into something she completely makes her own. She would absolutely shine week after week on the x-factor taking on different genres and songs, though i think she would work best if Dannii were her mentor. Looking at her range and capabilities, it's both easy and frustratingly difficult picking songs for her week in week out - easy because she can turn her hand to anything; difficult because there is so much to choose from. I think I got it spot on this week...

• Rock choice ~ Black Velvet (Alannah Myles): I don't think I would even change this from the original arrangement very much. It allows Elouise to reign it in a little in the verses, even make it a little more coquettish than it is now - then gives her every opportunity to emote and go for it in those enormous choruses. I can't imagine this being anything but completely immense from start to finish...
• My choice ~ As Long As He Needs Me (Judy Garland): Oh! Another video. Aren't I good to you?! It's already staged like a mini x-factor performance with a nicely bronzed and buffed fireman parading around, but even that doesn't detract from the exquisite timelessness of the song. There's a deep emotional resonance in the vocal and it's a lush arrangement that beautifully complements this. Heavenly...

OK, that's your lot. Enjoy Beiber tomorrow and don't forget to keep me updated on what's going on in both Sat and Sun shows - and let me know what you think of Elouise and PnR! 'Preciate it!

We keep track of multiple Christmas releases wave which is as massive this year as actually always and this time we've even got comeback of our beloved schlagerstar Magnus Bäcklund.
Seems like after break-up of popular duo Fame female part of it Jessica Andersson never disappeared for a long time and last year was especially active for her with release of debut solo-album "Wake Up" last Autumn, participating in Melodifestivalen with the song "I Did It For Love" and The Queen tribute tour "Champions of rock". But we didn't get to know a lot about her Fame-partner Magnus Bäcklund after release of his solo-album "Never Say Never" in 2006. This year his name floated out when Idol-2009 winner Erik Grönwall released debut-single "Crash and Burn" (not considering Idol-winning song) that turned to be cover from "Never Say Never". Small scandal as it was presented as original Erik's stuff but rush of attention to Magnus. However Magnus kept touring and was involved in music without some loud releases though. He's got hard times recently when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer but after operation she's getting better and doctors are sure illness has gone so family has a chance to get back to a normal life and Magnus' getting back to his career with new Christmas single "Julens Hemlighet" - original track written by Alexander Holmgren, Anders Grahn, Troy Tuminelli and Juan Carlos Perez Soto. It's a classic sounding Christmas song with a proper warm feeling built on exactly that lovely schlager-tune you could expect from old good Fame-Magnus and you can enjoy its preview below.

September celebrates her first #1 hit in Sweden "Mikrofonkåt", before only "Satellites" managed to reach #4 but participation in popular tv-show Så mycket bättre has really pushed her hard (due to Aftonbladet's poll around 70% of readers from more than 7000 voters think that Petra's covers are even better than her own songs) and Petter's cover made by her debuted right on the 1st place of Swedish chart.
Great time for starting promoting new solo-stuff and September is finally presenting new single "Resuscitate me" to the world and makes it with a whole bag of goodies with video and mixes for this song.
"Resuscitate Me" video was directed by Patric Ullaeus, Petra appears in it with new short hairdo dancing with cables attached to her hands and saving her soul when body needs some resuscitation with warm love memories. September who likes to play with dark lyrics in dance music ("Until I Die", "R.I.P.", "Flowers on The Grave" etc.) keeps dancing on a broken glass bringing together dramatical keys with life-asserting club beats and does it in her own recognizable way constantly attracting attention of pop-fans around the world.

Along with video full packed single with extended mix and also mixes from Buzz Junkies and Moto Blanco finally has seen the light. Moto Blanco provided slightly trancey light radio-track when Buzz Junkies has made club delight but still very poppy track with loud layers and heavy dance beat.

Going back to Så mycket bättre - theme of the latest show was dedicated to Christer Sandelin's covers (Style's vocalist) and as we guessed right Petra was singing "Vill Ha Dig" but in pretty original version as dark pulsating and hypnotizing electro-track with a beautiful strings section, we really hope it will be released on forthcoming compilation of Så mycket bättre. Petter has made another beautiful electronic version of "Hjärtats ensamma slag". Thomas Di Leva presented cover for one of the latest Style hits "Vill ha dig igen" in very close to original synth sound. Lill-Babs with "Fantasi", Lasse Berghagen with "Dover Calais" and Plura with "Den hon vill ha" kept it on more retro-field.

Plura - Den hon vill ha
Petter - Hjärtats ensamma slag
Thomas Di Leva - Vill ha dig igen
September - Vill ha dig i mörkret hos mig
Lill-Babs - Fantasi
Lasse Berghagen - Dover Calais

Soon we're gonna get brand new video for Rebound's next single "Psycho" that they shoot with Mikeadelika but for now we're staying with just two band's singles and we have nothing to do but discovering some unreleased pieces of their music.
Yesterday demo-record titled "Safe" sung by Eddie Razaz and written and produced among others by Chris Antblad (Sibel, Anders Ekborg, Larz Kristerz, Molly Sandén) has leaked on youtube and surprisingly though it's just a demo it sounds quite prepared and could easily be released on Rebound's album.
"Safe" is very calm minimalistic song in Bubbly-style with careless atmosphere where you don't really feel need in anything but synth, beats and Eddie's voice, very relaxing and enjoyable track.

I've missed two of the latest Idol episodes so here's the compressed introduction to what happened on the show last two weeks.
Rock-theme on Idol was rolling from some old monster-hits to relatively fresh ones. Olle Hedberg performed The Rasmus' "In the Shadows" that was more proper to his comfortable zone but not enough to be stable. Elin Blom with Raibnbow's "I Surrender" sounded much more prettier making it more poppy though. No need to say Jay Smith was completely in this theme rocking with Primal Scream's "Rocks". Linnea Henriksson has made completely crazy performance with Mando Diao's "Dance with Somebody" with tonnes of expression she's able for. Minnah Karlsson's was a bit more cold trying to lift Van Halen's "Jump" but it was incredibly hard to lift this complicated song up. Andreas Weise also had difficult song "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones but he also couldn't be blamed for boringness of performance.
As a next stage participants should've sung in duets. Jay was singing U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" with Linnea and it felt a bit like year before when two faves Tove and Erik sang "Kids" together, it was quite lovely performance. Elin and Minnah provided schlager-version of The Ark's "Calleth you, cometh I" being compared afterwards with ABBA. Andreas and Olle has delievered less successful version of The Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme some lovin´" falling for bad song choise but looking tough in suits and sunglasses though.
However it was Elin together with (shock!) one of contest's faves Linnea who were left to the final duel and as it was expected Elin has left the competition.
Tove Styrke has become guest of the show presenting her new single "White Light Moment" with minimalistic but very beautiful performance.

Olle Hedberg – In the Shadows
Elin Blom – I Surrender
Jay Smith – Rocks
Linnea Henriksson – Dance with Somebody
Minnah Karlsson – Jump
Andreas Weise – Start Me Up
Jay Smith & Linnea Henriksson – Sunday Bloody Sunday
Elin Blom & Minnah Karlsson – Calleth you, cometh I
Andreas Weise & Olle Hedberg – Gimme some lovin´

Week later Idols have got theme of classic hits and some unexpected songs like Jay singing Madonna and Linnea covering ABBA. Andreas was back to his musical+disco field making colourful performance of Tom Jones' "She's a lady" and less alive but still bright Kool and the Gang "Celebration". Olle has started with David Bowie's "Let's dance" looking not so comfortable in terms of performance choreography but then has provided completely fantastic Elton John's "Your song" becoming 100% his own. Linnea has started with more dynamic "I can't help myself (Sugar pie honey bunch)" from The Four Tops that turned to be more usual/crazy Linnea's performance but than blown arena away with ABBA's "The winner takes it all". I've heard some really touching ballads from Linnea but this song touched me almost to tears. This is weird some performances hasn't appeared on youtube or were taken away but as soon as this one will appear, I'll let you know. I was more convinced that Minnah is good in ballads as in nothing else - "Always on my mind" from Willie Nelson sounded completely magic and incredibly beautiful with her voice. "I'm so excited" from The Pointer Sisters sounded more expectedly and suited Minnah's voice very well also. And another biggest surprise of the night was Jay who firstly fought with his rock-voice singing Frank Sinatra's "Fly me to the moon" and later provided epic performance of Madona's "Like a Prayer" appearing in kilt in the darkness with a smoke around. Jay grows as public favorite. Last week it was discovered that he smoked hashish few weeks ago but TV4 has decided not to disqualify him and seems like interest of audience has even grown so much that the question who will win has obvious answer. The only intriguing question is who will participate (to compete is not right word here) with Jay in final.
This time final duel happened between expected Andreas and again unexpected another fave Olle, and result wasn't shocking - Andreas has left Idol.

Jay Smith – Fly me to the moon
Olle Hedberg – Let's dance
Minnah Karlsson – Always on my mind
Jay Smith – Like a Prayer
Olle Hedberg – Your song

Ooo it really is the most wonderful time of the year. The walk to work this morning was jolly freezing, the fields were glistening with frost and I get to go home tonight and pack for two weeks of Florida! How magnifico. I have lots of posts to keep you going over the next couple of weeks and hope you will keep me entertained with plenty of comments as although I am having a self imposed internet exile (it's so cleansing!), comments will come straight to my phone. Hurrah! In the mean time (and in between time - guess that pop reference, 90s disney group fans!), here are 10 lovely new Christmas songs and one extremely brilliant non festive treat (for more excellent Christmas stuff visit John's writing on top40about.com)...

The non-festive nugget ~ Dirty Disco return with Storyteller:

Sometimes, just sometimes at Christmas you need a bit of respite from the relentless cheer and good tidings that are almost rammed down your throat. Dirty Disco's excellent and thoughtprovoking new single is just the tune to do this. Following on from deliriously bonkers yet quality pop like Sista, Vulture and White Room, the innovative and artsy group have returned with an intense, brooding, gothic electro tune. It's tinged with eerie synth sounds and a stark strumming guitar and tackles aging, our obsession with youth and fitting into a restrictive society while remaining true to yourself. If you need a comparison, try Kidz or SOS on the new Take That album - yet it's different to those and has it's own Dirty Disco charm. Adam's distinctive voice consumes the lyrics to make them both angry and regretful at times without sounding aggressive (though there is a rather glorious "fuck" early on). The instrumental parts weave together and elevate an already good tune into a great one - little touches like the sounds of strings at the end or the guitar playing off the synth give little frissons of excitement throughout. Check the video above too as Adam and the boys in some haunting costumes seek down the Storyteller they wish to become. Tremendous stuff...

10 New Christmas Tunes:

• Hurts ~ All I Want For Christmas Is New Years Day: Yay! Hurts top off a year of quality music with an exquisite new festive offering that examines the bleaker side of this time of year. With a familiar sounding shuffling beat, sound effects that sound like walking over freshly crunching snow and chiming bells through a soaring chorus, the boys look at how the hope can make one feel even more lonely and hopeless as the persevere to get through the season. I like a bit of bleakness at Christmas and this is one beautifully crafted tune that once again proves they are stars in the ascendency. Check out vinny vero's review also...
• Owl City ~ Peppermint Winter: It's Fireflies the festive edition and the complete antithesis of the Hurts track. It's a love letter to all the cheesiness of this time of year and how it's even more magical if you just embrace it. Full of feel good bon mots like "i troll through the driveway with angelic grace/til i slip on the sidewalk and fall on my face" & "the snowflakes are falling and I start to float/til my mean older brother shoves snow down my coat", it's built around a sleigh ride of bells and the glorious refrain "what's december without Christmas eve". Heavenly optimistic and joyful. Love.
• Mans Zelmerlow ~ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home): I shall return to Mans' festive album a few more times before the big day. His big band readings of yuletide faves are brimming with elegance and a genuine warmth and love for the genre and songs he sings. This is a classy addition to any Christmas dinner party soundtrack and gets you fingerclicking along. Brilliant orchestration of the music too. I'm loving Mans formal Christmas look too - you can just imagine him coming home, loosening his tie and smooching the face off you under the mistletoe. Now, that's magic :)
• Wilson Phillips ~ Warm Loving Christmastime: It's not the first time the Wilsons have done Christmas (indeed this song featured on the second Wilson linked Christmas album - Carnie's solo) but it is the first time they have all felt the seasonal pull together. And hurrah, it's glorious, particularly for a long standing Wilson Phillips fan like myself :) It's a swinging and fun pop song with enough added jingle and bells to make it feel as Christmas morn as possible. And those choruses are saturated in their amazing harmonies. So so lovely. Well worth the import charges!!
• Jessica Simpson ~ My Only Wish: Jessica gets a lot of stick and I'm not sure why. I'm glad she's done a Christmas album anyway. This single from it is a decent pop tune and a nice ode to her new fella. Showcases her great pop voice (come back from country music!) and reminds me of how fun some of her music has been. Bits of it are reminiscent of Darlene Love's Alone on Christmas (which Britney liberally borrowed for her christmas tune) but it's a catchy little number with a lovely intricate piano middle 8. marvy.
• Indigo Girls ~ Mistletoe: Who would have thought that a blue(grass) Christmas would be so enchanting? The Indigo Girls did - their Happy Holly Days album alternates between rollicking joy and reflective pauses. This is one of the most beautiful on the album - a stripped back lyrical poem, resonant in a superb tenor vocal and supported by subtle harmonies and a gentle guitar. Makes me stop and luxuriate in it's beauty each time I hear it. Reminds me a little of Bette Midler's The Folks Who Live On The Hill. Never thought i'd make that comparison, but it's a complimentary one :) Delightful tune that you should really check out...
• Pink Martini ~ A Snowglobe Christmas: It's like being transported to a simpler time when the movies were black and white and people wrote to each other using pen and paper. This is a timeless, hawaian tinged classic that would sound beautiful whatever time period you are in when sung like this. it's from a whole album of magical wonder and one that should really investigate. As close to Doris Day as you are going to get this snowglobe Christmas. Like a festive hug and kiss. Melts me every time.
• Mariah Carey ~ Christmastime Is In The Air Again: I'm sure I'll return to Mariah's new Christmas album again lots more before the 25th December. There are lots of fun moments on that but this is one of the slower, sipping mulled wine by the fireplace moments. It's a string laden track with a restrained and impeccable vocal from Mariah that enables the song to transcend genres and time. The pull of the tune is undeniable and I soon find myself having little memory flashbacks to the ghosts of my own Christmas past. Dickensian!
• Lady Antebellum ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: A lovely little reading of this classic tune from the country group du jour. The cd of Christmas faves is (I believe) only available at Target but it's worth tracking down as it's full of faithful renditions like this that just sparkle with sincerity. Plus the fellas look proper foxy on the cover :)
• Puppini Sisters ~ Step Into Christmas: SCREAM! The Puppinis are back! And they have stuck to their absolutely delightful Andrews Sisters for the new millenium mantra. This has led to an amazing album of jazz tinged, boogie woogie Christmas faves and their turn on this Elton John fave is a fizzy explosion of joi de vivre all wrapped up in their tightly knitted harmonies. So much fun yet put together so very cleverly, very carefully and very well. Check out their older christmas tunes too like Jingle Bells and Little Match Girl. Top drawer!

Top 21 songs of the week

21 ~ Gabriella Cilmi, Defender (NE)
20 ~ Jessie J, Price Tag
19 ~ Ola, Riot
18 ~ McFly, Shine A Light
17 ~ Shayne Ward, Gotta Be Somebody
16 ~ Joe McElderry, Someone Wake Me Up (VID)
15 ~ Darin, Drowning
14 ~ Eric Saade, Break of Dawn
13 ~ Westlife, Safe
12 ~ Kylie, Better Than Today
11 ~ A1, In Love & I Hate It
10 ~ P!nk, Raise Your Glass
09 ~ Deborah Gibson, I Love You
08 ~ EMD, What Is Love?
07 ~ JLS, Love You More
06 ~ Le Kid, We Should Go Home Together
05 ~ Andrea Lewis ft Simon Curtis, Talk To Me
04 ~ Take That, The Flood
03 ~ Daniel Boys, To Make You Feel My Love
02 ~ Gravitonas, You Break Me Up
01 ~ Elouise, You'll Never Walk Alone (1 week)

"F*** You!" - Cee-Lo Green.

All together now, "I pity the foooooool....."

Better known to radio listeners as "Forget You" of course, the debut solo single by the voice of Gnarls Barkley was one of the year's more welcome no.1 hit singles. And let's face it, you couldn't say that for most of 2010's chart-toppers.

A delightful Motown-style ode to a gold-digging ex, this was full of fun. Now children, we know that bad language is not big, and not clever - unless you're Eminem in which case it's both - but this is the most entertaining use of the F word in a song in a long long time. A novelty song maybe, but a rather good record too.

"F*** You" video - this is NOT the "Forget You" one so parental guidance is advised etc etc - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc0mxOXbWIU&playnext=1&list=PLE2425CE30866D0E8&index=14

"Je Danse" - Jenifer.

She's back! Over the last decade, the original French talent show winner who put the "Star" into "Star Academy" has definitely has proved that she was no flash in the pan, becoming one of France's best loved new artists. The great thing about Jenifer is that she has taken risks in her career and changed her sound - and if "Je Danse" is any indication, then her latest album "Appelle- Moi Jen", out next week, should be well worth a listen.

"Je Danse" is an extremely catchy, modern pop song with Jen "rapping" the verses and looking and sounding as if she's having the time of her life.

Official video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiomvJVFlvU

Swedish secret music weapon Mohombi is dropping new bomb releasing brand new single "Dirty Situation" with the help of another world scale star Akon (I'll remind you that previously Nelly was featuring Mohombi's single "Miss Me").
Though before another song "Sex Your Body" was rumoured to become next Mohombi's single Sweden has got release of another dance track "Dirty Situation" and artist has already premiered trailer of video for this song. And this is what was a key to riddle of dance section in "Miss Me" video. This track is probably the most dancey Mohombi's song that can't be compared with any of other RedOne's works, it contains huge synths layers, energetic beats and African music influences folowing whole Mohombi's music direction. Due to trailer video is going to be not less great international shot than previous ones being impressive visually and choreographically.
On the other hand "Sex Your Body" sounds like a bridge between dance-sound "Dirty Situation" and more r'n'b "Bumpy Ride" with its heavy beat and chorus getting stomped to your head with simple but catchy melody line so definitely it wouldn't be bad choise to be released in some other countries. Check both "Dirty Situation" and "Sex Your Body" below.

Last week we've got not only officially presented brand new hosts of next year Melodifestivalen - Marie Serneholt and Rickard Olsson but also 6 new participating names who'll be competing in first 2 semifinals, some information about their songs and plans and some bonus rumours about final artists who can be announced next Monday.

Talking about hosts Marie Serneholt is well-known artist - ex-participant of famous pop-band A-Teen who started solo-career 4 years ago and tried Melodifestivalen-2009 but hasn't succeeded and since that was more involved in TV-shows, musical and everything except her own music. As Marie is naturally funny, charming and alive person it's a great news that she was chosen as I hardly imagine her getting stuck or confused in case of not funny joke or forgotten text. Rickard Olsson is another familiar face on Swedish TV being involved for many years in some popular tv-projects like Bingolotto and Nyhetsmorgon. He's like less sarcastic but more energetic version of Kristian Luuk (host of MF-2007, 2008) so undoubtfully it's not bad news as well!

Moving to new official artists and songs of Melodifestivalen... YES!!! ANNIELA WILL PARTICIPATE IN MELODIFESTIVALEN-2011! One of the most promising pop-artists we've discovered this year, very sweet person, beautiful and talented girl that gave Swedish music lovers delightful pop-gem "My Confession" this year was chosen with the song "Elektrisk" written by Johan Alkenäs, Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren, Johan Fransson - team behind "Kalla nätter", "Alcastar" and "Om natten" . So we send our warmest congratulations to Anniela and happily announce that "Elektrisk" is due singer's words is a lot in a vein of "My Confession" (read it as it's gonna be brilliant).
Another great expected name was Le Kid who wrote the song "Oh My God" themselves (should band with hit-stuff for BWO, Alcazar and Agnes ask someone's help?) and they describe it as their typical song not written especially for Melodifestivalen with touch of Motown. However we trust their taste!
Some unexpected but rumoured name Jenny Silver who was left last in semifinal this year with the song "A Place To Stay" is coming back with "Something In Your Eyes" written by Erik Bernholm, Thomas G:son and Henrik Sethsson - team behind Danish song "In A Moment Like This" at Eurovision-2010. Jenny describes the song as big disco-schlager with key-change, loads of ABBA-influences sounding like modern version of "Tusen och en natt". Before it was offered to Charlotte Perrelli but she refused it and Jenny has got a chance to make a great revanche.
Daniel Karlsson under new name The Moniker enters the contest with *oh my God!* another "Oh My God!" song (with exclamation mark, should we expect more emotional song than Le Kid will perform?). Daniel was 4th on Idol-2007 beaten by Amanda Jenssen and Marie Picasso but more successful than EMD's Mattias and Gathania.
Artist who was rumoured to enter MF every year and by unofficial information was rejected in 2008 Brolle was presented with self-written song "Seven Days And Seven Nights" that was initially written as a ballad but ended up as uptempo mix of rock and rockabilly.
And finally really surprising name of Christian Walz with the song "Like Suicide" from Fernando Fuentes, Henrik Janson and Tony Nilsson. Christian has apeared on a stage more than 10 years ago releasing three albums and some notable hits like Wonderchild and What's Your Name?. His sound is something between Salem al Fakir and Vincent but a bit more raggae and guitar-pop - mix that sounds exciting with Tony Nilsson's song ("You're Out Of My Life", "Headlines", "Love In Stereo"). Christian descibes his song as his own sound with spaceship atmosphere.

As well some previously presented artists talked about their songs.
- Sanna Nielsen describes her entry "I'm In Love" as uptempo with huge refrain and says she never did anything like this on MF.
- Elisabeth Andreassen says her balad "Vaken i en dröm" sounds a lot like her previous Eurovision entry "I Evighet".
- Danny describes his "In the Club" as club-track with the touch of urban sound. r'n'b and hip-hop that he was into before starting his dance-pop career.
- Swingfly also describes his "Me And My Drum" as strong party-song.
- Rasmus Viberg's "Social Butterfly" is pop-song with folk-sound that was initially recorded in a different version.
- Måns Zelmerlöw's protégé Loreen will perform "My Heart Is Refusing Me" that by her own words has grown from ballad to original electronic mix inspired by Björk with loads of strings.
- Dilba's song "Try Again" is a strong dance-track.
- Pernilla Andersson calls her song "Desperados" style "spagetti-western" - country-song with loads of guitars, strings and atmosphere of Clint Eastwood films.

Participants of 3rd and 4th semifinal will be presented next Monday and 9 artists are not announced yet. By media rumours Eric Saade, Sebastian Karlsson, Sara Varga, Jimmy Jansson and Malena Laszlo are top-candidates for these places and Rebound is also waiting for approval of their entry so they still stay candidate and we keep our fingers crossed for them.

Below you can see list of participants of 1st and 2nd semifinals:

1st semifinal (Luleå)

Pernilla Andersson - Desperados (Pernilla Andersson)
Danny - In the Club (Figge Boström, Peter Boström, Danny Saucedo)
Swingfly - Me And My Drum (Johan Ramström, Patrik Magnusson, Teron Beal, Swingfly)
Le Kid - Oh My God (Märta Grauers, Anton Malmborg Hård af Segerstad, Felix Persson)
Jonas Matsson - On My Own (Sari Autio Olsson, Peter Autio)
Rasmus Viberg - Social Butterfly (Amir Aly, Henrik Wikström)
Jenny Silver - Something In Your Eyes (Erik Bernholm, Thomas G:son, Henrik Sethsson)
Dilba - Try Again (Niklas Pettersson, Linda Sonnvik)

2nd semifinal (Göteborg)

Anniela - Elektrisk (Johan Alkenäs, Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren, Johan Fransson)
Babsan - Ge mig en spanjor (Larry Forsberg, Sven-Inge Sjöberg, Lennart Wastesson)
Sanna Nielsen - I'm In Love (Irini Michas, Peter Boström, Thomas G:son, Bobby Ljunggren)
Christian Walz - Like Suicide (Fernando Fuentes, Henrik Janson, Tony Nilsson)
Loreen - My Heart Is Refusing Me (Moh Denebi, Björn Djupström, Loreen)
The Moniker - Oh My God! (Daniel Karlsson)
Brolle - Seven Days And Seven Nights (Brolle)
Elisabeth Andreassen - Vaken i en dröm (Lars ”Dille” Diedricson, Calle Kindbom, Kristian Wejshag)

Information is taken from interviews of Scandipop, Poplight, Schlagerprofilerna, Schlagerzoot so if you need to know more don't hesitate to check these great sites!

Swedish Stereo is coming out of weekly coma and I'll try to collect all those interestings things I've missed as soon as I can!
Let's start in alphabetical order... A... Ace Of Base! Ace Of Base is going to finally release "The Golden Ratio" as comeback-single in Sweden. Band has managed to succeed with their new album in Germany but now they're back to Motherland promoting new stuff appearing in different TV-shows and on one of them Förkväll they performed The Golden Ratio in acoustic and as more or less new female part of AOB is vocally new for us that's always interesting to check what they are about live, I should say it looked like very comfortable and confident performance for girls with no need to stand in front of huge public where that they probably aren't completely ready for, so it was enjoyable.
Band has also presented new mix of this song yesterday on their Facebook page, more nice dance light radio-friendly track than hard clubby thing, you're gonna love it if you like original version.